Abstract

Environmental noise pollution generated from industrial and transport activities in Ghana have received considerable attention from regulators and policy makers unlike rising noise levels in residential settings. This study measured ambient noise levels in four halls of residence in the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana to ascertain compliance with permissible limits. Questionnaires were also used to evaluate the possible non-auditory noise effects. The results indicate that the same sex halls (Adeyhe and Casford) were within the day and night permissible noise limit of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency of 55 dB and 50 dB respectively. However, the Oguaa and Valco Halls (mixed halls) were non-compliant. Noise generated within the functional units ranged from 30dB to 70dB, with Adehye Hall recording the lowest for both day (49dB) and night (45dB). Valco Hall recorded the highest noise level for both day and night: 66dB and 60dB respectively. Oguaa Hall, the largest on campus, had 60dB and 55dB for day and night. Casford Hall, the only male hall recorded 54dB and 48dB respectively for day and night readings. This is unexpected as most students consider Casford to be noisy. Most of the participants complained that the noise affects their studies and sleep in the halls, but surprisingly, majority of them (73%) were not of the view that reducing it could potentially make the halls more habitable. Association between halls of residence and annoyance levels was investigated. The P-Value (0.180) was greater than the alpha value (0.05). Consequently we failed to reject the null hypothesis and concluded that, there is no association between the halls of residence and level of irritation of students in the halls.

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